There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your place. Another is the Alien's Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau.

Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. Visa can be obtained from the local China consulate in your country. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Your travel agency will represent you to facilitate the application process. A Tibet permit usually costs around 200 Rmb.

Permit for Entrance in Tibet

For the Tibet Tour we'll obtain a permit. It'll take us 3 - 7 days. The following details of the travelers are required for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and occupation.

Visa Obtained in Katmandu

Visa for Tibet can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Application has got to be made a minimum of 7 days before the commencement of the trip. Visa can be obtained by paying a surcharge up to 3 days before the trip departure date. Original passports are required for application of visa. The following details of the travelers are required to be submitted to the Chinese Embassy for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and profession along with one passport size photograph. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Regular visas for China are not valid for travel into Tibet from Nepal.

Surcharge: A surcharge of US $ 40.00 on Tibet visa is applicable for British, Canadian, Belgian, Cameroon, Brazilian, Irish, French and Dutch Nationals.

(Source: tibettour.com.cn)